Al-Sisi orders expansion of data centres, 5G as Egypt targets $12bn in outsourcing exports by 2029

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has ordered an expansion of large-scale data centres and 5G networks, alongside increased investment in cloud computing and artificial intelligence, as Egypt targets $8bn in digital exports by 2028 and $12bn in digital outsourcing exports by 2029.

Al-Sisi issued the directives during a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Communications and Information Technology Minister Raafat Hindi, and Armed Forces Signals Department Director Hany Mahmoud Mansour, according to the presidency.

The meeting reviewed developments in digital transformation, telecommunications infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, electronics manufacturing and government digital services.

Presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy said the Communications and Information Technology Minister reviewed plans to expand information technology exports and localise electronics manufacturing.

Digital exports are targeted to reach $8bn by 2028, while digital outsourcing exports are expected to rise to $12bn in 2029, according to the presidency. The government also aims to increase the number of companies operating in electronics design to 120 by 2030.

Al-Sisi called for greater investment in cloud computing and artificial intelligence, alongside an expansion of large-scale data centres, which the presidency described as a key pillar of the digital economy.

The meeting also reviewed efforts to develop the digital infrastructure required for AI-based applications and expand the use of artificial intelligence tools across several sectors. The ministry’s Applied Innovation Center is working to develop solutions based on emerging technologies, according to the statement.

Officials also reviewed progress on the government’s “Karnak” artificial intelligence programme, which the presidency said supports efforts to achieve digital sovereignty and provides a foundation for developing Arabic-language generative AI applications.

On telecommunications infrastructure, Al-Sisi ordered a wider rollout of 5G networks, greater resilience of communications infrastructure and measures to reduce concentration risks. He also called for continued development of Egypt’s telecommunications market as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s position as a regional and international hub for data centres.

The meeting separately reviewed the expansion of the unified government services card, which is being developed by the Communications and Information Technology Ministry in coordination with the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade.

Al-Sisi called for continued monitoring of the system, integration of government databases, and improvements in technical and operational efficiency as additional public services are gradually added to the card.

Officials also discussed the presidential “Digilians” initiative, implemented jointly by the Communications and Information Technology Ministry and the Egyptian Military Academy to train participants in skills required by the labour market and prepare them for employment opportunities.

Al-Sisi called for accuracy, transparency and neutrality in selecting beneficiaries of the initiative, stressing the importance of maintaining public confidence in the programme.

Cybersecurity was also discussed as a core pillar of the digital transformation strategy and a key element in strengthening confidence in digital services.

The Communications and Information Technology Minister also reviewed measures taken to protect children under 15 from the risks of harmful content on social media networks and platforms, including the joint decision issued by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and the Supreme Council for Media Regulation on September 17, 2026. The presidency’s statement did not provide further details on the decision’s specific restrictions or enforcement mechanisms.

Al-Sisi concluded the meeting by directing the expansion of artificial intelligence applications and cloud computing, continued development of Egypt’s telecommunications market, and further expansion of 5G networks.

He also called for stronger and more resilient telecommunications infrastructure and measures to reduce concentration risks, while reinforcing efforts to position Egypt as a regional and international hub for data centres.

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